High school students today face unprecedented pressure and stress as competition in the college application process soars. Data released by the Common Application indicates a 30% uptick in total submissions in the 2023-2024 academic year compared to 2019-2020.
When compiling an application, applicants often overlook the importance of recommendation letters and meticulously manage elements they can control: GPA, standardized test scores, essays, and extracurriculars. However, former high school counselor Alexis Allison and a panel of experts including the former assistant dean of Stanford admission, underscores the importance of the recommendation letter, highlighting the 2017 NACAC “State of College Admission” survey that prioritizes a solid recommendation letter over extracurriculars, subject AP/IB test scores, class rank and even interviews [College Essay Guy].
With 80% of schools in 2023 adopting test-optional and test-blind policies, recommendation letters play a more vital role. College admissions counseling company IvyWise states, “[Recommendation letters provide] insights into what you are like as a student and person, and [put] the rest of your application in context.”
Although teachers are responsible for crafting the letters, it could be a critical misstep for students to scratch this component off their to-do list hastily since there is more to getting quality recommendations than meets the eye and obtaining a generic letter without evidence can harm admission prospects.
What makes a good recommendation letter?
Walt Whitman’s Spanish teacher, Ana Maria Martin Romera, stated, “I’m happy to write your recommendation, but don’t you think you have another teacher who might know you a little better than I know [you]?” Similarly, most teachers will not purposefully write a letter intended to harm their students and communicate if they feel unqualified to advocate on the student’s behalf according to Romera.
A letter without personal anecdotes supporting praises of hard work, leadership, and resilience is empty. Vague descriptions indicate limited class participation.
As colleges adopt a more holistic admissions approach, they want to understand a student’s personality, interactions with peers, and community impact. A solid recommendation letter will illuminate a student’s character from an outsider’s perspective.
Winston Churchill Spanish teacher Emma Benitez said,“[Quality letters] are something personal, meaning you have examples to support what you’re saying. I try to be as descriptive as possible.” However, concision is equally important as Romera explained, “When you are writing to a college, the people read a lot of [letters]. You cannot write three pages. You have to be concise. You have to say something that is different that makes the student a good candidate for that school.”
Who should write your recommendation letters?
First, students should determine how many letters of recommendation they need and the specific requirements. “Most schools prefer one recommendation from STEM and another from humanities, but it’s really just whichever teacher knows your best qualities,” Winston Churchill senior Arvin Adeli explained. “Outside of school, you could ask a sports coach or a music teacher but be sure to give the college a new perspective. These outside-of-school recommendations [can be] a strong addition to your profile.”
Most universities also require a secondary school report from a guidance counselor. Therefore, students must maintain regular communication with their counselor, keeping them informed about extracurricular and career aspirations instead of appearing only when the college deadline approaches.
When discussing how to select whom to ask for a recommendation letter, College Essay Guy ranks the qualities of a reference in the following order: someone who knows the student well and has a favorable opinion of them; a teacher with whom the student has had recent interactions; a teacher from a core subject. For students facing academic challenges, it is helpful for teachers to understand their stories and highlight their growth and perseverance.
“Overall, you should prioritize the teacher that will be able to show colleges your best qualities [and] focus on whoever knows you best,” Adeli explained. “Since you want a teacher that knows you well, spending time with them can very much help, so a double-period teacher or a teacher you have had for a couple years would be a great option.” Some instructors also serve as club advisors, so make time to join these activities to cultivate relationships.
When should you approach a teacher to ask for a recommendation letter?
Not every teacher will agree to write a recommendation letter. Some feel unfamiliar with the student or have a yearly limit on how many letters they write. Typically, students learn through word of mouth about which teachers excel at crafting letters; these teachers often face high demand, and if there is a limit on letters, procrastination leads to missed opportunities.
“Ask as early as after spring break but no earlier, and don’t leave it until past the first few weeks of senior year as teachers can get busy,” Adeli advised. “ Asking early also shows your initiative and proactivity, [whereas] asking late may contradict these good qualities.”
Romera prefers to have requests made the summer prior to the student’s senior year. She explained, “It takes a long time [to write a letter]. During the summer, I’ve been working on them. I want to write things that are attractive for the person who reads it so that they can see who the student is.”
How to gracefully ask a teacher for a recommendation letter?
Common sense plays a significant role here. Adding the teacher’s name to the Common App and considering it done will not suffice. It is important to choose a suitable moment when the teacher is in a good mood; avoid busy hours such as during class, lunch or when a group of noisy students is present, according to Alexis Allison. If asking in person is not feasible, a polite phone call is acceptable. Students should avoid email and texting.
The professional approach to request a recommendation letter is arranging a brief meeting. An alternate option is to wait until the classroom is empty to avoid making the teacher uncomfortable in front of others.
What information should students provide for a strong letter?
Once the teacher agrees to write a letter of recommendation, the next step is to send a follow-up email to thank them for their valuable time. Teachers are not obliged to write a letter; it is out of kindness that they advocate for their students.
To assist recommenders, one should offer an updated resume and brag sheet that showcase positive qualities. Also, students should inform teachers about the colleges they intend to apply to, application deadlines, career goals and sources of motivation. Thus, many high schools have an informational packet for students to fill out and share with their references.
In addition to the packet that the Churchill College and Career Center provides, Benitez has discussions with her students to learn more about what they are like outside of class and what their plans are for college. “I want to be able to have a well rounded story,” said Benitez. She feels that the conversation she has with the student after getting a recommendation request helps with that.
There are many pieces that go into a college application, and a compelling recommendation letter is critical in providing admissions officers with a complete picture of the candidate. With a large pool of very similar applicants, strong backing from teachers can give students an edge in the college admissions process.
Article written by Huan Changvu of Winston Churchill High School